A useful, easy-to-read guide that helps you make good decisions and understand the home buying process from start to finish, with numerous examples of pitfalls to avoid, a glossary of terms, and information on a wide range of topics: - What type of property is right for you.- What a real estate agent can do, and how commissions are paid.- How to choose a lender, the documentation lenders require, and different types of loans.- How to protect yourself during and after the purchase.- What's in an offer, how to negotiate, and an explanation of closing costs and home inspections.- What a home inspection is, why it's important, and what happens if the property needs more work than you thought. - What to expect at the closing, what you need to bring, who's there, what documents are signed, and why.- Making improvements: renovation do's and don'ts.